Teachers Battle with a Brain Tumor

Katie with her two young children (Posted by valeriesmith1, Community Contributor)

Posted by valeriesmith1, Community Contributor

A local Suffolk Public Schools teacher is beginning her battle. Thirty-two year old Katie Ruehl went to the doctor in October for chronic headaches. However, the news she received was devastating. Katie has a benign brain tumor on her brain stem. Due to the size of the tumor and its location surgery is a must. The tumor is pushing on her nerves and causing serious complications. She often struggles with tasks that used to be so simple. Little things like walking without tripping, finishing her thoughts, writing in complete sentences, and focusing have become a challenge. While she waits for her surgery she is unable to work. This mother of two beautiful children will go under the knife soon for a surgery lasting upwards of twelve hours. The surgery will require two holes to be made in her skull to remove the tumor and the use of belly fat to fill in the empty cavity, and a five to seven day stay in the hospital. The recovery time will also prevent her from returning to work for the remainder of the school year. Due to the long recovery time, absence from work without pay, and hospital bills a GofundMe campaign has been started; and it is Trending! https://www.gofundme.com/2wf7044Please pray for her and her family as they begin this scary and unknown journey. If you are able to donate it will be appreciated beyond measure. There will be some fundraiser events coming up in the near future- so be on the look out.